important

They’re the children of divorce. If an estimated 3 million Continental citizens working the UK are subjected to current immigration policy, most would lose their jobs. It’s an affirmation of Brexit supporters’ job protection claims, but it’s still unknown how separation would occur. Resigning PM David Cameron says he won’t invoke the departure article of the EU treaty, and his likely successor, Brexiteer Boris Johnson, says there’s no rush. Overwhelmingly pro-EU Scotland’s parliament must agree or British lawmakers must weaken Scottish autonomy — a move sure to stoke Scottish independence efforts.

Story of the Week

Rains up to 10 inches in West Virginia brought a weekend of devastating flooding, cresting faster than ever recorded and claiming the lives of 24 people, including two children. Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, who called the floods the worst in a century, declared emergencies in 44 counties, deployed 200 national guardsmen to aid the rescue and recovery effort, while President Obama made federal disaster funding available in three hard-hit counties. The waters also inundated the Greenbriar Resort in White Sulphur Springs, forcing the PGA to cancel next week’s Greenbrier Classic tournament.

Historic Deluge

It was a long shot. A 25-hour sit-in by Democrats and procedural vote in the Senate brought gun control into sharp focus last week. Majority Republicans quashed debate, but it will certainly continue on the campaign trail now that 80 percent of Americans support at least preventing terror suspects — like Orlando shooter Omar Mateen — from buying firearms. Eight GOP senators even supported such a ban, but the measure stalled. House Speaker Paul Ryan called the drama a “publicity stunt,” but gun control backers are locked and loaded for November.

Coming Up

War’s more expensive. That’s Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos’ mantra when skeptics balk at paying higher taxes to finance development projects to employ former rebels. After all, the FARC fought the government for a half-century in a war that killed 220,000. The none-too-popular Santos has his hands full keeping former rebels and right-wing militiamen honest while propping up a sagging economy. With details still to be worked out, and a potential referendum in October, keeping peace may be cheaper — but not necessarily easier.

At War No More

She’s tripping the light Trump-tastic. Early last year, Hope Hicks was five years out of college without an ounce of political experience when Donald Trump announced to a few staffers, “We’re going to Iowa.” From then on, the former model and Ivanka Trump PR assistant has served as press secretary for a rollicking bare-bones campaign, and reputed to be the ruthless gatekeeper for a swarming, hostile press. In 17 months, Hicks became the billionaire’s 27-year-old wing woman — and she’s working overtime to refine the presidential wannabe’s image.

Briefly

intriguing

“This is not my party.” That’s how America’s godfather of conservative pundits described the party he’s championed since the 1970s. He’s consistently opposed Donald Trump, expected to be nominated at the GOP convention that begins July 18. Will, 75, says he wants conservatives to forsake Trump and “grit their teeth for four more years.” But the Pulitzer Prize-winning syndicated columnist, who reportedly changed his Maryland voter registration to “unaffiliated” weeks ago and whom Trump labeled “boring” and “dopey,” won’t necessarily support Hillary Clinton: “I just know who I won’t be voting for.”

Losing Mr. Right

Are they wearing out their welcome? Politically influential Indians are making waves in South Africa and Uganda — accused of funding despots — and some worry their influence, combined with xenophobia and economic woes, will lead to retaliation. Indians have been cautioned against attending political rallies in Uganda, and populists have accused President Zuma of selling South Africa “over a plate of curry” — reviving concern that had receded significantly since attacks against Indians flared in Uganda in the ’70s, Fiji in the ’80s and Kenya in the ’90s.

Warning Signs

Like the once-sprawling British Empire, the sun never sets on the cooperative database. But while Wikipedia is among the most popular websites in the world, non-English versions are poor shadows of the 15-year-old original version. And censorship, lack of internet access and the mobile vs. desktop battles are limiting Wikipedia’s global hegemony. Founder Jimmy Wales isn’t sure his free encyclopedia will ever be truly universal — but he’s promoting it in places like China, arguing that it can bring not simply knowledge but economic growth to nations that embrace it.

Closed Library

It comes in handy. Not until the 18th and 19th centuries did masturbation begin to develop a bad rap, as clerics and scientists branded it immoral and unhealthy. And while solitary sex eventually turned mainstream — it was the thrust of a classic Seinfeld episode — it’s still stigmatized and frequently linked to online pornography. Some say self-stimulation is a symbol of sexual freedom, but it continues to raise eyebrows. So even if old taboos may have loosened their grip, humanist disdain for selfishness now seems to be picking up where the theologians left off.

Good Touch

Hail the king of sandwiches! It started in the early 20th century, when French colonists in Vietnam, pining for a taste of home, imported crusty baguettes. The banh mi evolved into a creamy, spicy gem native to Ho Chi Minh City but with global reach, thanks to the Vietnamese diaspora. What used to be haute cuisine became more accessible and affordable by swapping out some of the meat for vegetables. The sandwich remains a street food staple, but Vietnam’s growing bourgeoisie is salivating over the number of upscale purveyors peddling this colonial fusion.

Chow Down

He was just 7 when he first dreamed of being drafted. And Thursday night, it finally happened when he became the league’s number-one pick. Ben Simmons’ journey started in Melbourne, where his Bronx-native dad played Australian pro ball. Now this 19-year-old Aussie is America’s most prized player, after nailing 56 percent of his shots and averaging 11.2 rebounds per game during his single year at Louisiana State. But after having the world at his feet, it may be jarring to let the lowly Philadelphia 76ers call the shots.